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The Real Fake Problem

What is the problem with problems? The issue is that there are different kinds of problems. Right now I am thinking about how problems can be categorized into “real” problems and “fake” problems.
 
Real problems are the kind of problems that cause change.  The world is full of real problems such as war, disease, famine, economic, ecological, and political. As a result of these problems, people will determine a course of action to make changes that will try to affect the outcome.
 
On the other side of the problem curve, are fake problems. Fake problems are the kind that distract us from our daily lives and real problems. The media loves to latch on to a fake problem such as determining if a dress is green or gold, hot toy shortages at the holidays, and celebrities with fashion emergencies.
 
In the land of workforce development, we have real problems and fake problems. Many of the job seekers in the workforce system face real issues surrounding poverty each day. Our system faces problems surrounding WIOA implementation into existing systems and the never ending battle of limited resources. Unfortunately, we are not immune to fake problems.
 
As in real life, the fake problems that arise are just a distraction from the real problems. The fake problems cause drama in the navigation of the day to day. Fake problems include choosing the right paper for a poster, where to hang decorations for an event, or whom is in charge of ensuring the pencils are sharpened. Fake problems are the kind of problems that are in the moment problems and can cause misunderstanding and tension.
 
The simplest remedy is to ask yourself a question when faced with a problem. “Is this a real problem or a fake problem?”  Your answer to that one question will determine your level of reaction and keep everything in perspective.


~Karen Cirincione
kcirincione@gmail.com
www.linkedin.com/in/karenjcirincione
Twitter:@kcirincione

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